Picnic Recipes for a Concert in the Park

When you're dining alfresco with friends, simple dishes with bold ingredients hit the right note  and keep your kitchen duty to a minimum. Most of the dishes can be prepared the day before. On the morning of the event, just chill the wine, toss the salad, assemble the hearty sandwiches, and eat out in style. Make sure you have everything you need for a night of dining to music with these tips for packing a picnic.

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White Bean Dip and Pita Crisps

This pureed white bean dip, shown here with Parmesan Pita Crisps, is the perfect treat to have on hand for picnics. As an added munchie bonus, the crispy homemade pita chips are perfect for dipping, but also flavorful enough to hold their own.

Mixed Greens with Apricots and Champagne Vinaigrette

This picnic-perfect salad features jewel-toned apricots, toasted pecans, and Belgian endive, all dressed in a light Champagne vinaigrette. Transport salad components in separate plastic bags and combine just before eating.

Ham and Gorgonzola Sandwiches

Layered with rustic fig jam, Black Forest ham, and Gorgonzola cheese, this sandwich can be dressed up or down for a picnic. We prefer Gorgonzola dolce, a sweeter variety that's soft and spreadable. In a pinch, however, Cambozola is another great cheese option.

Turkey-Curry Wraps

This curried turkey sandwich with bacon, avocado, and cucumber is wrapped in lavash, also known as Armenian flatbread. Traditionally a thin, crisp bread, it also comes in a soft variety, which is the type called for in our recipe. Here's a wrap that's ideal for outdoor dining.

Cherries in Red Wine

Wine-soaked cherries steeped with orange peel and cinnamon can be prepared the day before a picnic — a bonus for those who don't have a lot of time to pull together a meal. Serve with whipped cream or over vanilla bean ice cream.